KGSG moves to set up Environmental Sanitation Task Force »

Sequel to the approval by Governor Yahaya Bello for the setting up of a Joint Task Force on Environmental Sanitation to assist in the campaign against environmental pollution, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Victor Adewale Omofaiye, today held a strategic meeting with relevant stakeholders to deliberate and set up sub-committees for the said purpose.

The meeting which had representatives from the state sanitation board, town planning board, Special Adviser to the Governor of Sanitation, the Ministry of Lands and housing and its counterparts from Works and Housing, and the Kogi State water board deliberated on the modalities to be adopted to rid Lokoja and its environs of filth that has almost overwhelmed the area.

According to the Commissioner for Environment, Hon Adewale Omofaiye, the exercise would involve the removal of illegal extensions of shops and business premises.

He said having learnt from past experiences, the street traders and owners of stores along major roads that had become serious sources of environmental degradation, assault on basic rules of hygiene on waste disposal and crippling traffic snarl would be pushed back without demolition of permanent structures.

“Overtime, the ministry has seen many businesses erect illegal and rickety structures that encroached on pedestrian sidewalks, obstructing the smooth flow of traffic and defaced the environment. We are going to be able ensure that such practices are stopped.

“Similar moves had been made under previous administrations, but unfortunately could not be sustained. As a result, parallels have been drawn between the task force’s activities and previous efforts in past administrations and raised the question of sustainability and, ultimately, engendering attitudinal change among the people.

“The fact that the task force’s operations will begin with government-owned premises and property in high brow areas has elicited optimism that, unlike previous exercises, the present one will be the real deal. A number of ministries, departments and agencies as well as offices of major companies were among the first set of businesses to be sanctioned by the task force for contravening environmental and urban development laws”. Omofaiye said.

However, he said for the exercise to have an enduring effect, much more than periodic raids by operatives of the task force to effect attitudinal change on the people. The enforcement would be sustained over a considerable period until the people key into the demands and responsibilities of doing business in a metropolitan city.

“That is why it is gratifying that Ministry of Environment has built synergy with other MDAs in order to harmonise efforts on sanitation monitors and assigned specified areas where the task force will regularly supervise the adherence to extant rules by business owners and residents.”

Omofaiye said the administration of governor Yahaya Bello is passionate about repositioning the environmental beautification of the state capital, and assured that the task force’s efforts is about to kick-start and bear fruits.

“A concerted campaign using stakeholder groups, including market associations, youth groups and professional organisations, would be part of the collaborative efforts.”

He expressed confidence that the hands-on strategy that is being adopted will effect attitudinal change among the people.